Rivers 2027: Fubara Withdraws as Wike’s Political Structure Tightens Grip
By Emeka Amaefula
+234(0)8111813069
Amid mounting political tension and growing isolation from key delegates expected to determine the outcome of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries scheduled for Wednesday, May 21, 2026, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has announced his withdrawal from the race.
In a dramatic press statement released on Tuesday, Governor Fubara said his decision followed “deep reflection and extensive consultations” with family members, political associates, and close supporters.
The Governor declared that he was stepping aside in the interest of peace, stability, and unity in Rivers State, while pledging total support for whoever eventually emerges as the APC governorship candidate.
According to Fubara, “Leadership is ultimately about sacrifice. There comes a time when personal ambition must yield to the greater good of the people. Rivers State is bigger than any individual, and at this critical moment, the peace, stability, and unity of our dear state must take precedence over every personal interest.”
The Rivers Governor acknowledged the disappointment among his loyal supporters, many of whom had invested enormous political resources and expectations into his ambition. He, however, appealed for understanding, insisting that his silence in recent weeks was “deliberate and strategic,” guided at all times by the overall interest of Rivers State.
In one of the most emotional sections of the statement, Fubara hinted at intense political pressures behind the scenes without openly disclosing details.
“As our elders say, not everything a hunter sees in the forest is spoken of in the marketplace. Some truths are best borne quietly, not out of fear, but out of wisdom and restraint for the sake of peace and a greater purpose,” the Governor stated.
Political observers believe the development may not be unconnected to the continued political dominance of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, whose influence has remained a major determining factor in Rivers State politics.
Strong indications within APC political circles suggest that key political figures allegedly positioned by Wike, including House of Representatives member Kingsley Chinda and Dr. Alabo Dax George-Kelly, are expected to secure the first and second positions respectively during the APC governorship primaries.
The unfolding political scenario is already being compared to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primaries of 2022, where Siminalayi Fubara emerged winner while Alabo Dax George-Kelly reportedly finished as first runner-up under the political structure widely believed to have been controlled by Wike.
There is also growing speculation within political circles that Pastor Tonye Cole, another leading APC governorship aspirant, may have quietly softened or withdrawn his ambition only a few hours before the commencement of the primaries. Sources within the party alleged that the businessman and politician may have tactically distanced himself from the contest for the Brick House, the symbolic seat of political power in Rivers State, although no official statement confirming his withdrawal had been released as of press time.
Despite withdrawing from the contest, Fubara maintained that his action should not be interpreted as weakness or surrender.
“Let it be clearly understood that I stepped aside from participating in the upcoming Rivers State gubernatorial election not out of weakness, fear, or surrender, but out of conviction and sacrifice so that Rivers State may move forward in peace and unity,” he declared.
The Governor also expressed appreciation to the APC leadership and to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their support and encouragement throughout the political process.
Fubara reaffirmed his commitment to continue serving the people of Rivers State until the expiration of his tenure, while urging APC faithful to remain united and committed to the party’s future.
The unexpected withdrawal has already triggered widespread reactions across Rivers State political circles, with analysts describing it as a major turning point capable of reshaping the political calculations ahead of the 2027 general elections. Political commentators have also drawn comparisons with the 2019 Rivers State governorship election, in which then incumbent Governor Nyesom Wike defeated relatively lesser-known Action Alliance candidate, Biokpomabo Awara, in a fiercely contested political atmosphere that underscored Wike’s entrenched political influence across the state.
Emeka Amaefula
+234(0)8111813069
